Kenya's Senate is considering a constitutional amendment bill that would bar former county governors from contesting seats as MPs or MCAs for five years after leaving office. The measure aims to allow accountability processes to conclude without interference. Public hearings are set for April 30 in Nairobi.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2026) was read for the first time in the Senate on March 26 and referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights.
The bill states that the ban would enable ongoing accountability processes related to a governor's administration and financial management to be completed. "Barring former county governors from vying for elections will allow for any ongoing accountability processes... to be completed," the bill reads.
It also highlights potential conflicts of interest if ex-governors immediately join the Senate or county assemblies. "Oversight bodies would have adequate time to inquire... without interference by the former county governor," the bill adds.
Public participation includes oral submissions at hearings on Thursday, April 30 from 9am at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Amphitheatre in Nairobi. Written memoranda are due by May 8 at 5pm via the Senate Clerk's office or email.
